How do modern ergonomic wearables typically shift the goal compared to early military ergonomics?
By moving from passive design (e.g., comfortable seating) to active systems providing real-time correction feedback.
There is a notable evolution in the application of ergonomic theory between early military ergonomics and modern systems. Early military focus, such as designing a cockpit seat or a radio harness, involved *passive* design—making the interface or support system as comfortable and effective as possible for a user engaged in a relatively static task, essentially optimizing the existing interface. Modern ergonomic wearables, conversely, are often *active* systems. They are engineered to actively monitor dynamic bodily states in real-time, such as tracking muscle fatigue or posture deviations, and then provide immediate feedback. This active feedback loop empowers the wearer to dynamically correct their own behavior, representing a significant advancement beyond simply designing a static support structure.
